Title: Was It Always Like This? 2/22
Author: Haggis
Pairing: W/G
Rating: Starts off slushy, gets a bit naughty in the middle and for the remainder of the series (NC-17 I guess?)
Author’s Email: neeps.tatties47@ntlworld.com
Summary: Willow finally stops looking and notices what’s in front of her
Disclaimer: Mr Whedon and those nice people at Mutant Enemy didn’t give their permission for any part of my little fantasy world where Willow and Giles finally get together.
Feedback: Gratefully received – I get pitifully excited when mail appears in my in-box
Beta Reader: Jerri – thanks for all of the encouragement and suggestions –definitely the unsung hero of this team!
Authors Notes: Takes place after the end of season 6. Replaces the Spike nakedness of Season 7 with some Giles nakedness instead!
Willow took her time collecting her hand baggage from the locker and waited till practically everyone else was off the plane before heading towards the exit. The flight had been long, uncomfortable and boring but she had seriously considered staying onboard for the return flight to London.
With a final glance at the cabin she took a deep breath and headed down the ramp to the arrivals lounge. Buffy and Xander had promised to meet her and also that nobody else would come with them. All of them were aware of a need for the original Scooby gang to get their feelings sorted through first. Willow felt that her choice to remain in Sunnydale or return to England would rest on the next ten minutes and she was dreading her first sight of her two best friends.
Xander was anxiously scanning the thinning crowd. “Giles definitely made sure she was on the flight?” he asked for the third time.
Buffy smiled at him and stared at the gate leading from the flight. She spotted the red head as soon as she cleared the final corner and tugged Xander’s arm to get his attention. “She’s here” she said quietly and immediately felt relief and worry wash over her.
“Willow” Xander shouted and waved frantically, only stopping when Willow nervously waved back at him. “She looks OK” he said and glanced at Buffy for her reaction, “Doesn’t she?”
“She looks fine Xander” she smiled as she realised that it was Willow she saw heading towards them and that their friend had returned.
Willow stopped a couple of feet away from them and nervously scanned their faces for any sign of fear. The moment passed and slowly she saw Buffy smile at her and knew that it was all going to be OK, not fine, not perfect, but OK.
Xander could hold himself in check no longer and pulled her into his arms. “I missed you” he mumbled into her hair.
“Breathing” Willow gasped as he continued to squeeze. “Thanks Xan, I missed you too” she smiled as he released her. “Ooooofffff” was all she could manage when Buffy joined the group hug and pulled all three together with slayer strength.
“I’ve missed you so much Will” Buffy whispered in her friend’s ear before letting them go and picking up her bag, “Come on let’s get your bags and then we thought mochas were called for” she smiled and led the way to the baggage hall.
Xander followed with his arm still round Willows shoulders, as if afraid to let her go. “Yeah, we figured three month’s of Giles’ tea was enough to go without chocolately, sugary goodness”